In early September, three of New Haven High School’s students received word that they were chosen to be a part of Earth’s Classroom highly selective educational group. There were many applicants across the state of Missouri. Riley Otten, Lucy Roth, and Kate Weiser all had slightly different reasons for applying.

The Natural Resource Career Experience serves as an organization that provides hands-on experiences for students who are interested in learning about various studies in the field of science. Kate Weiser exclaimed, “I love being outdoors! I am trying out these different activities to see what I am most passionate about, so hopefully when it comes around to decide what I want to do with my life and what to study in college, I will make the right decision.”

Lucy Roth had more of a personal connection to the adventurous aspect of outdoor learning. “When Jodi came in that morning to talk about the program, I was interested from the second she started talking. I loved the idea of learning all these new things from such cool and engaged people.”

Each month they go on a journey to locations where they can study a certain topic. The first meeting was held in a cave, where they absorbed knowledge about spelunking.

When asked what the coolest experience he had while spelunking, Riley Otten answered “I got to crawl in a hole in the ceiling into a room about the size of a closet. It was was the highest point in that area of the cavern.”

The instructors are Jodi and Bill Miles. Lucy Roth commented, “There is something different about Jodi. She isn't just a normal Outdoor Education major. She knows everything about everything, and I mean everything. She can make everything interesting. I love her enthusiasm and her willingness to deal with so many teenagers and to teach us. Her love for what she does is inspiring.”

Kate Weiser recalled a time where Bill demonstrated his understanding of a teen’s venturesome side while spelunking. “We came to a point in the cave where Bill just said ‘ok go play!’ and we got to go wherever we wanted! Riley and I saw a hole in the ceiling of cave and we wanted to know what was up there so... we climbed up it!”

The October meeting took place at the Bourbeuse River to study limnology characteristics in freshwater systems. “Jodi taught us about water and how it's soon to run out. It was fun to go in the river and look for the fish or little creatures, it was always a thrill when you would catch something, especially if you had never seen it before,” explained Lucy Roth. Riley Otten even made a new friend during his limnology escapade. “It was a Dobson fly larvae. When we were in the creek, I flipped over rocks, and under one was the larvae. It was very cuddly. I named it Dave!”

If you are interested in the science field or just love being outdoors, this program may be for you! To apply in May, you must be going into your junior or senior year in the fall of 2016. Be on the lookout for more information!